2014fwc_tsg_report_15082014_neutral

4 ForewordEugenio FigueredoChairman of the Organising Committeefor the FIFA World CupDear friends of football,Attacking football, breathtaking goals and vibrantcrowds were at the heart of the 2014 FIFA World CupBrazil.The “spiritual home of football” welcomed visitorsfrom all over the world for an unforgettable fiestathat will live long in the memory of football fanseverywhere. From the opening match played at theArena de São Paulo on 12 June to the epic final at theMaracanã on 13 July, football brought the crowds inthe stadiums and the millions of viewers around theworld following the action on TV and digital platformsto their feet.After seven years of intensive teamwork by FIFA, theLOC, the Brazilian government and the Host Cities,the stage was set for the world’s best players to shine,and shine they did, putting in some magnificentperformances.This Technical Report, produced by the experts of theFIFA Technical Study Group (TSG), not only represents akey insight into the main tactical and technical trendsthat marked the tournament but also an educationaltool for all 209 member associations. Indeed, we willengage all confederations in a series of conferences inorder to share with them the knowledge and findingsaccumulated by the FIFA TSG during the 2014 FIFAWorld Cup.As such, besides being FIFA’s flagship event, the FIFAWorld Cup is also a unique platform that enables usto further develop the game and inspire those whoare responsible for coaching and educating futuregenerations of talented players.The fact that the total number of goals scored atthe 2010 FIFA World Cup (145) was reached with12 matches to go and that Brazil 2014 had the secondhighest average attendance in World Cup history givesa clear picture of the resounding success of the event.Eugenio FigueredoChairman of theOrganising CommitteeJérôme ValckeFIFA Secretary General